Dear Supporters of Bacon,

I received my usual monthly email from Tabby’s Place letting me know how Bacon is doing. It is incredibly good news: our boy is doing just marvelously! He passed his college entrance exams with flying colors. He has a new girlfriend and plans to travel to Europe for the remainder of the summer.

OK, not really.

But the news I receive is equally exhilarating, and I can hardly wait to see him face-to-face—just to confirm. He is doing okay, medically. All the tiny changes to his diet and meds are working. He sleeps soundly on his big bed, eats his food, loves his snacks, and has been having fewer seizures.

I sneak in and catch him just waking up. I’m no longer nervous about petting him— always gently , and for a limited time —but still, I feel we’ve made great strides in the last few months. I can sit on the floor in front of his luxurious abode, reach in, and make contact, with no fear of retaliation. He sniffs and knows who I am. As long as I don’t outstay my welcome, all is well.

He wants snacks.

There is a particular snack bag left on the shelf that Bacon knows is there. I see him glancing up once or twice as he wanders around the room.

“Okay, buddy.”

I see that he’s already eaten every morsel out of his bowl, so I won’t be ruining his appetite. I dump a few snacks on the floor, and he leans in to retrieve them. They slip and slide around, and it’s a kind of game as Bacon hones in and finally captures a few. He looks self-satisfied.

We start a conversation. I am all atwitter about the Olympics. My favorite tennis player, Rafa Nadal, is playing for Spain. Then there’s Simone Biles, the GOAT (Greatest Of All Time), as they call her, who’s back stronger than ever. And that female American swimmer—Katie Ledecky.

I tell Bacon that competing in the Olympics is all about practice and commitment. Each one of the athletes has a story. Some have overcome incredible odds.

“Like you,” I tell Bacon. I’d love to scoop him up in my arms and give him a big hug, but I’m not crazy. A few loving pets will have to do.

I know I’ve stayed too long. He’s eyeing his comfy bed. In another minute, he’ll be passed out.

Bacon and I thank you for your continued generosity to Tabby’s Place. He is one happy cat, and that is because of you. He has a place to live and people who love him.

We wish you a lovely August. We hope the weather is just purrfect!

Your correspondent,
Kate